Jhonny Lajoie Obituary, Death – Over a year after a deadly shooting in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the case. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that Manny Pina, a Taunton resident, has been charged with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in the death of 32-year-old Jhonny Lajoie.
Lajoie’s body was discovered on May 4, 2024, inside a furnished shed located on the property of a home on Highland Street. At the time, police responded to the scene and launched a full-scale investigation that lasted much of the day. Crime scene tape cordoned off the residence as detectives combed the area for evidence.
The discovery of the body and the subsequent law enforcement activity deeply unsettled neighbors. Many expressed shock, saying they had never seen such a large police presence in the quiet neighborhood and were stunned by the seriousness of the incident.
Authorities have not released details regarding what led to the shooting or what evidence led to Pina’s arrest more than a year later. The District Attorney’s Office did not disclose the exact date or location of his arrest. It remains unclear whether investigators had been tracking Pina during the intervening months or whether new evidence recently came to light that allowed authorities to move forward with charges.
Pina was scheduled to appear in Taunton District Court at approximately 2 p.m. Wednesday to be formally arraigned on the charges. At the time of the announcement, it was not confirmed whether he had obtained legal representation.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that had remained open for over a year. Lajoie’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from family and friends, who had been waiting for answers. With the arrest of Pina, authorities hope to bring some closure to the victim’s loved ones.
Although specific details of the relationship between Pina and Lajoie have not been shared, investigators are expected to present more information as the legal proceedings unfold. It is also unknown whether the shooting took place during a confrontation or was the result of a planned attack.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the homicide and is encouraging anyone with additional information about the case to come forward.
In the meantime, residents of the Highland Street neighborhood remain unsettled by the memory of the incident, though some expressed relief that a suspect is now in custody. The case underscores how investigations can take significant time before leading to an arrest, especially when complex or lacking initial leads.
More updates are expected as the case moves through the court system. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek additional charges or if more suspects are being considered. For now, Manny Pina stands accused of murdering Jhonny Lajoie in what remains one of Taunton’s most shocking crimes in recent memory.
